Over the past few months, Jannik Sinner has seen massive ups and downs in his career. While he successfully defended his Australian Open title, defeating Alexander Zverev in the summit clash, the Italian star hasn’t got the doping controversy behind him. Last season, Sinner failed two doping tests after his blood samples were found to contain the banned substance, Clostebol. Although the ITIA cleared Sinner of any charges, the WADA filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, wanting Sinner to be handed a ban in this case. Earlier today, Zverev broke his silence on this matter.

Before the Australian Open, it was revealed that the CAS will hear Sinner’s case in April. Subsequently, it will be decided if Sinner receives a ban or is let off of any charges. During the post-match press conference, Zverev was asked if Sinner would face a ban for failing the doping tests.

However, the German star was taken aback by the question and replied, “I didn’t expect that question, I don’t know anything about the situation that he’s in. Um, I know he’s been cleared once, um, I know someone over the tennis Integrity unit right is taking a look at it now. He’s a great guy. I have absolutely nothing against him and I don’t know what will happen…I didn’t expect this question so I don’t really know how to answer it, to be really honest.”

Sinner’s doping controversy has been a talking point at the Australian Open. Initially, the ITIA found his justification valid about how he came in contact with Clostebol, which was through a spray applied by his physio. As a result, the ITIA didn’t hand him any ban but WADA appealed to the CAS, asking for a ban between one to two years for Sinner. Additionally, WADA also wants Sinner’s results to be disqualified, but not beyond the Indian Wells last season, the tournament where his samples tested positive. As a result, it could be a major blow to the Italian star, if WADA wins the appeal in this case.

The Italian star’s case was only made public ahead of the US Open. This created quite a stir, with people questioning how this controversy was kept in the dark for so long. Even the ATP chairman, Andrea Gaudenzi, expressed doubts over the handling of Sinner’s doping saga.

ATP chairman calls out unfair practices in the doping case of Jannik Sinner

Sinner’s sample from the Indian Wells Masters tested positive for the banned substance. However, it was in August when it emerged that Sinner had failed a couple of doping tests. Many tennis bigwigs called out the poor handling of Sinner’s case, with some even suggesting that partiality had been made in this case. ATP chairman, Gaudenzi, also made a shocking revelation in the aftermath of this saga.

He said, “I learned the day before we all learned. And to be honest, I’m happy about that. I really thank the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) and our representatives there for intentionally keeping me and our entire team in the dark because that’s how it should be… We are completely external and it’s (an) independent process. I generally think has been a fair process. It was really done by the book and by the rules. Maybe there could have been better communication in explaining those rules, and that is something that I would urge every party involved to work better in the next time.”

While there is still time left for Sinner’s case to be heard, the Italian star can soak in the success of his Australian Open victory for now. Do you think that Sinner should receive a ban for his failed doping tests? Let us know your views in the comments below.